Mattie

Hello AARF –

Just wanted to write a quick note to say thank you for rescuing Mattie (formerly Maxie). We adopted her in July of 2003 and she has been a true joy. She had been abused by her previous owners and her foster mom Caroline showed her what it was like to be loved and cared for by humans. We simply took it from there and have enjoyed every minute we have had with her. Mattie has an amazing personality and is simply one of the smartest dogs I have ever known. She LOVES her squeaky toys and usually brings at least 2 of them to bed every night (she sleeps with us so things can get a bit crowded!). We moved to Asheville, NC in July of 2004 and she has become a true mountain dog. She loves hiking and getting in the river to chase after her ball. Like any good southern dog, her favorite past time is sitting on the front porch looking over the neighborhood. She also loves the doggie park and has made many new friends.

Thank you so very much for rescuing Mattie. We love her so much and she gives that love right back. I cannot imagine our lives without her. I have attached a picture of her sleeping on her favorite stuffed bear, Daisy.

Again, thank you for the amazing work that you do.

Pepper

Hello AARF,

We wanted to share a picture of our sweet girl “Pepper” that we adopted from you in October 1994 at 9 weeks old, at the Petsmart on Broad Street (located then at Merchant’s Walk). In that year we were talking about getting a new friend....either a Black Lab or a Dalmatian. To our surprise we found both, in one, from you guys. This picture was taken this year on vacation. As you can see, Pepper is relaxing around the pool. She has always traveled with us. We’ve had to leave her behind twice in the 13 years she’s been with us. Her favorite things are snuggling with her daddy (Billy) on the floor, her stuffed tiger, chasing tennis balls (or actually us chasing her with a tennis ball), and Milk Bone cookies! Pepper has been very nice to our other furry friends and even accepted Winston, our new kitty, when he would do flips off of her nose. Pepper turned 13 on August 6, 2007. She’s now feeling her age and we fear our days may be numbered with her, but oh what a great 13 years she has given us! She is an absolute wonderful friend! She will do anything to please us. We love her so very much! Thank you for all that you do to help find homes for these animals.

Billy & Sherry Carper

Callie (Nikita)

I wanted to give an update on a dog formerly known as Nikita that was fostered by Sarah Stanton. My girlfriend and I adopted her five months ago and quickly decided to change her name to Callie because she responded better to it, and her color reminded us of a calico cat. She has been a wonderful addition to our house, and we love her very much. Although she likes to chew, she almost always does it with a dog toy. Occasionally I will leave my shoes out, and she likes to pull the soles out! Fortunately when she does this, she seems to know better than to destroy the shoe in the process.

She has no complaints about letting Emily (my other dog) be the alpha. Callie wakes me up every morning at six with such regularity that I have stopped setting the alarm clock. Callie did manage to get out of the yard a couple of times, however she doesn't go far and always comes back when I call. I take her and Emily to run in a field up the street a couple of times a week and she really loves it. Callie stays close to Emily, and never runs away. I tried to put her in a crate the first night that I had her, and she was not happy about it. I decided to let her have free run of the house with Emily during the day. I was reluctant at first, however I never used the crate again, and had no accidents or problems. Callie gets along wonderfully with all of the dogs we get together with ( family and friends). Thanks so much for bringing her to us. I have attached some photos. Please make sure that Sarah, and all parties involved get this update!

Ginger(Miss Piggy)

We adopted her in early 2007. She was one of the 11 St. Bernard mix puppies. She is growing like a weed and has hidden her St. Bernard roots very well. She loves her older brother, Lucky, and is slowly learning her manners (she has a mind of her own).

She is our second AARF dog, Sophie our first is 13 yrs old and going strong. Thank you so much for having her at the right time so we could adopt her. I always know that when our family needs a new furbaby, I can always count on you to have just the right one.

Here she is at 6 months with her brother. Add about 40 lbs and and a good 6 inches of height.

Thanks again, Susan

Hi AARF,

In the summer of 1997, I was looking for a companion for my black Lab, Bailey. I wanted some kind of Shepherd mix who might be a little more protective than my Lab. I was quickly approved by one of the volunteers and on my first visit to the Adoption Stand, I met Hatcher. Hatcher looked to be a German Shepherd/Collie mix and was about 8 weeks old. A Good Samaritan had found him at the Salvage Yard over on Hatcher Street, thank goodness! Hatcher is 10 years old this month and he's doing well.

He lost his buddy, Bailey, back in 11/05 but still has 3 other canine friends to spend his time with. Hatcher is a wonderful dog, he still cracks me up with his silly ways. He's probably got some Golden in him, too, because he loves to swim. It's the only time he'll retrieve anything, though.

Thank you, AARF, for rescuing Hatcher and then allowing me to adopt him.

Amy and the crew

I wanted to email you and send you this picture of our dogs. I adopted Peabody from your organization in 1999 and we adopted Tikki (now Tilly) in 2003.

As you can see, they rule the roost. We have loved these dogs more than life itself and wanted you to see that they are loving life as well. Thanks for giving all the dogs a second chance at life!!!

Just wanted to let you guys know that Mr Owen is doing great! Right now he his standing beside me looking at the scanner wonder what all that noise is. I tried explaining to him that I was scanning in his picture so I could email it to you. Just like a man never listens! No kidding aside he is wonderful and really has adjusted great. I have had no problems with him what so ever, except the kissing bath he give me when I get home from work each day. He really is a joy and I thank you so much for letting him come and live with me. Here are a few pictures I thought you might like to see of my little boy.

Shelley, Just wanted to let you know that Bingo is Texas bound. We are relocating to the Dallas area. While house hunting we were quite mindful of Bingo’s needs. They say everything is bigger in Texas. I’ve learned, everything is bigger except the houses and backyards. We found a fixer-up with a back yard big enough that Bingo can have his morning fetch time. There is a community park within walking distance for evening strolls. Once a month we will go down to the ranch where he will learn, quite quickly I am sure, to respect skunks, snakes and other creepy crawly things. Needless to say Mr. B is spoiled rotten. He is quite the gentleman and everyone who meets him adores him. Even my 97year old grandmother allows him in her house. If you have time and would like to say goodbye we can meet at Barker Field in Byrd Park this Sunday morning. Just let me know if you are interested. Thank you so much for bringing Bingo into our life’s. Respectfully, The Three Musketeers ( Kathy, Mary and Bingo)

Hi,

We have just now gotten around to sending some photos of Josie. We adopted her from AARF in February, and she has become a loving member of our family. We now have 2 dogs and 2 cats. Pictured here with Josie is her sister, Milli. We love them both very much. Howard and Rachel Smith

Just wanted to send you a note and let you know how Misty is doing. What a wonderful dog. We adopted in late April and she is just more than we could have ever asked for. She loves people and other dogs. We live in an over 55 neighborhood, and we love to go for walks. Well she just loves her walk, she greets and meets everyone. She has a basset hound next door and she loves to go on walks with him. I have attached 2 pictures - one of Misty in our back yard and the other is from this months Richmond magazine. They were out doing pictures of older and active people. Look in the background. There is Misty and my husband Jack. I always new Misty would be famous. Thanks again for letting us adopt her she truly is loved and adored.

Hello AARF,

I just wanted to let you know that you helped me find a wonderful home. Fay adopted me in April 2004...3 months after she lost her beloved sheltie/beagle named Shelby. She loved Shelby very much, and her heart ached with her passing. But then she decided that she also missed the love and company of a furry doggie companion. Luckily she saw my cute face on the AARF website, and the rest is blissful history.

We go visiting my doggie friends quite often. And I've even been to the beach. (Those seagulls are just IMPOSSIBLE to catch...and you KNOW that the cocker spaniel in me really does wants to catch one of those guys!) Plus, we take lots and lots of walks.

I've asked her to attach a picture or two of me. Hopefully my foster mom will see this letter and know that I am as happy as can be...I even like to play with that pesky kitty who lives in the house with us.

Love, Haley

Hello!I just wanted to say hi, and thank you for continuing your excellent work saving all the lonely, neglected and forgotten souls that are out there. I adopted 2 of those souls about 5 years ago(see attached pictures), and am so happy with my babies(see attached pics). Angus (who was formerly named 'Raleigh') is social, outgoing, and very food-motivated. Dodger is still shy, but very sweet and, so we found out, loves to ride in the car. They get along famously and are just loves!! I continue to visit your website, and I frequent the adoption centers, to say 'hello' and pass out treats. I always recommend AARF to folks who are looking to add a pet to their family, and hope in the future to adopt others from you. Bless you all for your selflesness, and kindness toward animals in need. Susan Lanni

Just a quick update on Snuggles and Peewee. They are both doing wonderful. For very small dogs they have become a big part of our family. Snuggles is still a snuggler and Peewee is as cute as can be. They both got to go on a trip to the pet store for some winter clothes. It was amazing to find out that it cost as much to cloth my pups as it did to cloth my kids. At least they will be very warm this winter. They have both gained approx 4 lbs each and they look great. The vet that saw them when we first adopted them saw them again and was amazed at the change. Snuggles has a new lease on life and she acts just like a puppy. She never walks anywhere because she doesn't have to. She gets carried around just like a child. She is definitely my dog. They say her breed does pick one person and tolorate everyone else. Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. I know Snuggles and Peewee will have a great Christmas this year and hopefully for many more. Take care Andrea

Dear AARF, I have been meaning to write for quite sometime. My husband and I adopted McKenzie a little over four years ago. We adopted her at 6 months and she will be 5 on Sept 1, 2003. I just wanted to let you know that she is doing great and we love her very much. She gets along with her sister Bailey who is 8 years old. There are very spoiled, they go for 3 walks a day, 1-2 times a week to the doggie park and swim daily in season. McKenzie is full of energy, love and is a sweetheart. Thanks for letting us take her into our home and hearts. Signed, Krista and Pete Scott

Dear AARF, I just received my first AARF mailing and was so pleased to read about all the amazing things that you do. I really enjoyed reading the adoption stories and thought that I would share mine too!

I was reading the newspaper a few months ago and came across all the dogs and puppies in the back section that were in need of homes and it just broke my heart. I am a widow with two girls (ages 6 and 2 1/2) and we already have a 7 year old yellow lab - Gator. I decided that I had to do something to help. I knew that I had the room in my home and my heart to bring another dog into our home.

The next day (Saturday) my girls and I went to the Pet Smart in Merchants Walk. We were looking around and it was a hectic scene as everyone arrived to unload the dogs and puppies. While we were looking a sweet hound mix came trotting by with his foster mom Debi. My oldest daughter, Izabel, fell in love with him. His name was Sparky and we decided that he was the one for us. After talking with Debi for a bit we filled out our application and then proceeded into PetSmart to get our extra dog supplies. We emerged with a new bed, collar and treats. We made arrangements for Sparky to come visit us and meet Gator that Monday. (Izabel cried all the way home because we couldn't bring him with us).

The rest is history. We met Sparky and he and Gator got along great! Sparky is now very spoiled and loved dearly. He has his own monogrammed extra cushioned bed - just like Gator's, but he keeps sneaking naps on Gator's bed! He gets tons of love and treats and is very protective of us. His favorite place to be is anywhere that we are but he also likes to sleep on a stuffed alligator that we have in our den.

Thanks AARF for bringing Sparky and us together! Stacey, Izabel and Phoebe Nelson

We adopted Gabriel on March 4, 2001. We changed her name to Sequoya and she is the greatest pet, of course all pet lovers think that their pet is the greatest. Words cannot express the joy that Sequoya has bought into our lives.But Sequoya is truly special. She loves our children and grandchildren. She is so friendly and loving. She greets all of our family and friends with tail wagging and lots of kisses. The grandchildren call her Tailwagger and Girlfriend. She watches over the little ones when they are out in the yard and keeps them in line and takes naps with them. Many thanks to Lynette Clements for the special care that she gave Sequoya in her early months. We know that Lynette and her family's loving care helped Sequoya greatly. Also many thanks to AARF for allowing us to adopt Sequoya. Sequoya and I went to RDOC and boy did I get some training about rearing a pet. Also I cannot go without saying many thanks to Ron Smith at RDOC for his many special tips in training me to be a better owner. Sequoya goes to the pet store and picks out her treats and everybody just falls in love with her. Our next project is to take her to nursing homes to share her love with the animal lovers there. - Beverly Hutson-Bryan

I wanted to let you all know that Priscilla (You have her listed as "Betty Lou" on the website) has been adopted. If you could, please show that she's been placed in a home that completely loves her to death! I'd also like to report that she's doing well and loves her new home and parents- Sue Coral and Howard Moss. She's busy toting her favorite toy- a stuffed pig that grunts aptly named "Piggy"- around w/ her and playing in her big back yard w/ the neighborhood kids. Cilla, as we've been calling her, has been a true joy in our lives and we're soooo happy that I came across her picture on the Pet listing website. She's been the best buddy we've been looking for. Please share our story, so other folks know what a wonderful experience adopting and loving an AARF pet is! Thanks. Sue Coral

Just wanted to provide an update on Flash, now called Harley! We found that Stoli is much quicker than Harley and as we got to know this little TUGBOAT, we found his stout build and ability to become a lead weight when confronted with a "No, No", HARLEY was a much more appropriate name for our little haas! He is absolutely wonderful! He has had a few potty issues, but on the whole is a wonderful addition to our family! He and Stoli are the best of friends and are sometimes even partners in crime! The other day, we came home from work and found two old doggy beds shredded (and I mean SHREDDED) all over the back yard! Messy, but quite amusing! Thought we would send some pics to show just how well these two get along! (The pics were taken about 3 days after Harley's arrival!) Happy Holidays! Casey, Joey, Stoli & Harley Speas

Hi there! I was just visiting the website and thought I would update you on "Minnie", whose name is now Lexi. I got her from you over the summer as a playmate for my male kitten, Otis. It was a rough start and I wasn't sure the sibling rivalry would ever end, but lo and behold....they are great buddies. They love to get into mischief together and tear around the house. They both sleep with their mama (me) in a big bed in a feather comforter. Lexi is the princess of the house who loves the computer and thinks it is great when mom turns on the aquarium screen saver for her. She so wishes she could figure out how to get those fish out of the screen! She is a joy and I thank you for the great work you do and for bringing this sweet creature into our lives! Sincerely, Melissa Ahrens (and Jen, Otis and Lexi)

Hey guys! Mom got your newsletter today and pulled up your website for the first time. Is that me on the Adoption homepage? Looks like me on the bottom row, last picture on the right. I feel like a star! I'll bet it IS me! I was in foster care FOREVER -- you called me Soushie but my new name is Wallis Simpson Barnett, and tomorrow is my six month aniversary in my new home (and I am living large!) I've made lots of friends in the neighborhood. My favorites are two greyhounds, a shepard mix and this wacky bull mastiff -- he weighs 150lbs but I let him know I'm alpha so he lies down everytime he meets me. I still go to the nice vet at countryside and I see my picture on the AARF poster with the word ADOPTED in red letters. Those red letters sure make me feel better. I saw Grace -- my foster mom -- at the vet a couple months ago. Boy, was I happy to see her again. She really took good care of me til I finally picked my new home. If you see her tell her I'm great. I like it here so much that I never chew on anything and I only bark in the house if I think something's wrong, and I hardly ever poop inside anymore (Hey, it's a power thing and it's all I've got!) Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got this new booda bone... Sincerely, Wallis Simpson Barnett the former Soushie

Sending you a note to update AARF on JASMINE (aka at our house as "Snazzy Jazzy!" She is a WONDERFUL kitty. Her first visit to my vet for follow-up vaccination, de-worming and intro exam was entertaining. Everyone there (Midlothian Animal Clinic) fell in love with her. She purred and looked ever so cute. Such a doll-baby. We are enjoying her so much. Samantha, our other kitty (13 yrs.,) is adjusting slowly to having this young upstart in her midst. Only a few tussles ... but we'll get over it. Suzanne

Dear AARF- My name is Penny Wilson (formerly Kenzie) and I'm writing to tell you about my new home. In November of 2000 I was adopted by a couple in Charlottesville, Virginia after a very nice foster stay with Heather & Eric Racer (AARF volunteers who deserve special kudos for fostering Penny). Now I live in a townhouse near a park, take long runs through the woods nearby, and also like to jump in the Pen River and swim when it is warm enough. I like living in the "country" and it seems to be agreeing with me - I've gained weight and will be starting obedience classes this spring. I'm pretty good at playing fetch and would really like to catch a squirrel one of these days... Also, I'm really looking forward to going to the beach house in Outer Banks, NC this June. My mom and dad say I can swim in the ocean - oh boy!!! Please let Heather & Eric know that I'm very happy here - in my picture, I am hanging out in my bed while mom and dad try out their new digital camera... Love, Penny Wilson

My husband and I received Jasper a few weeks ago. He has brought so much joy to the two of us. Thank you for saving his precious live and introducing him to our family. He is growing so fast; and every day is a wonderful experience. He has such a loving personality that brings warmth and a smile to everyone that comes in contact with him. He loves to give kisses. Cuddling is my favorite; but my husband seems to like fetch. Here is a recent photograph of him. THANK YOU AARF FOR OUR NEW PUPPY - MERIDETH & CORY

Dear AARF - Hi, my name is Jake. I was born in Dec., 1998. My mom is a white shepard and my dad is a lab. I have 2 brothers and 1 sister. They are all black and look like labs too. In Jan., 1999 I went to live with a very nice family. My new family is Tom, Patty & Alex. They taught me how to sit and shake right away. They say I'm very, very smart and the best friend they could ever have. They also think I look like I'm smiling all the time. (That's 'cause I'm so happy!) I travel with them every where. I even go to work with Tom & Patty. We recently went to Nags Head and I saw the beach for the first time. I liked chasing the tiny crabs on the beach and I nearly went bonkers over the sea gulls. I also got to sniff my 1st ocean fish. I've had some other adventures also. I've been to Bridgewater College to see Tom's brother graduate. And, my most recent trip was to Pocahontas State Park. I went out in a row boat and then learned how to fetch a stick from the lake. Boy, what a day of fun that was. I like that more than going to doggie day care. I have friends at doggie day care, but I like my family the best. Alex is a great playmate for me. He and I play "go get the ball" every day when he comes home from school. Sometimes I even get to sleep on Alex's bed with him. I'm glad I was chosen to live at Tom, Patty & Alex's house. I'm very happy here and they love me very much. I hope all the other cute dogs and cats can find families who love them as much as mine loves me.
'Til the next adventure - JAKE.